Shatterguard. It must be professionally installed, but a sepia (golden) would look great. (Search "Hong Kong apt with 24 rooms on You Tube to see the effect of sepia windows.) They have window films you cannot see in at night. All the mansions use it. You really need SECURITY. Sliding doors can simply be lifted off -- they're the worst. Or you can get 4-doors with half-door inserted windows that go opaque when you want it to. Security alarms do not stop intruders. Shatterguard will. Deadbolts can be bumped. I think my safety would be worth the price, especially if I had grandkids and puppies in the home. You can't put a price on safety.

Your window drapes are brilliant! I love it when someone improvises a really low cost solution to a big problem - who would have thought of shower curtain liners! All those big windows would be really expensive to cover. If you can't replace the floors then go with it using the man cave idea - black leather sofas, red or bright teal or blue or yellow for color pops - stay away from browns and grays or sage greens as they can't compete with the black & white check, so you'll never be satisfied with the effect. Good luck - you deserve it!

Thanks TGB! I really appreciate that! I feel like popping in when I think that I've done enough to warrant a post:) And Turid and Karen, thanks to the two of you as well! I really have enjoyed the change to white walls. Turid I agree with what you said; it goes with everything, and allows you to really concentrate on your furnishings without feeling limited by colors that kind of back you into a corner! Next up is re-doing my upstairs second bedroom. I live by myself, and have 2 bedrooms on the second level, one being my master, and the second basically serving as a room to house a small desk, dresser, and that's it. I want to make it an actual bedroom, mainly for guests. I'll have to post up some current pics, and we can take it from there!

Would love to see your progress. Understand satisfying total strangers curiosity is low on your priority list (#4,233)but with houses I’m a voyeur and yours is a favorite.. thanks for the fun.. hope you are still enjoying it. And Don